Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership

08/17/2026

07/05/2026

Dear Friends,

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a very Happy Independence Day and congratulations on the remarkable milestone of the 250th anniversary of the United States!

Two and a half centuries ago, the ideals of freedom, democracy, and human dignity were set in motion, inspiring generations of people around the world. Today, these values carry an even deeper meaning for us as Ukrainians, because we understand better than ever what they are truly worth.

May this historic anniversary be a time to celebrate your nation’s extraordinary journey, its achievements, and the people who make America stronger every day. I wish you and your families peace, good health, happiness, prosperity, and confidence in a bright future.

For me, this day also has a very personal meaning. Many years ago, my first visit to Cincinnati introduced me to the real America-not through famous landmarks or big cities, but through the kindness, generosity, and warmth of people like you. Since then, your friendship has become one of the greatest gifts in my life.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude for your friendship, your unwavering support, and your care for Ukraine. During our country’s most difficult times, your compassion, encouragement, and willingness to stand with us have meant more than words can express. It is a true honor to call you my friends.

May the friendship between our nations continue to grow stronger, and may we share many more opportunities to meet again, celebrate together, and create new memories in peaceful times.

Happy Independence Day, and congratulations once again on the 250th birthday of the United States!

With my warmest wishes, heartfelt gratitude, and a big hug,

Vadym

06/20/2026

Dear Friends of Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership

Your generosity, trust, and commitment allowed us to provide specialized training for school psychologists in Kharkiv and, through them, offer meaningful support to children, adolescents, and their families as they navigate grief, loss, and the many challenges brought by war.

Please know that your contribution has reached far beyond numbers and statistics. You have helped create opportunities for connection, understanding, resilience, and hope for families living through unimaginable circumstances. At a time when so many children in Ukraine are growing up surrounded by loss and grief, your support has been a powerful reminder that they are not forgotten and that people across the ocean truly care about their well-being.

I feel deeply honored to have had the opportunity to implement this program and to work alongside such caring and dedicated partners. Thank you for believing in the importance of supporting children, families, and school psychologists in Kharkiv.

Sincerely,
Oksana Krasnikova
Clinical Psychologist

06/06/2026

Albuquerque + Cincinnati + Scholastic Books =
Win for Kharkiv Kids

Albuquerque and Cincinnati responded to the need for books for the school library to replace those damaged in the Russian attacks on our Sister City. In collaboration with Scholastic Books, English language graphic novels were sent to the underground school in Kharkiv. They will serve as a resource for students learning English.

The underground school facility is shared by four schools. Students study in two shifts several days a week. The numbers of the schools are 124, 122, 111, 144.Totally 1480 students attend the underground school (the students of the four schools together). The age of the students is from 6 to 17 years old. The number of elementary school students (1-4 grades) who attend the underground school is 489 students. All the students have access to the American books library.

The books were delivered to the underground schools during the last school week. So the students had a chance to look through the books and try to read them. The teachers of English are adjusting their teaching plans to be able to use the American graphic novels in their lessons of English during the next school year.

Thanks to the American books, the students are looking forward to returning back to school in September to be able to read the books from friends from Cincinnati and Albuquerque sent them.

05/23/2026

Here are some more photos from the Ukrainian Delegation’s visit to Cincinnati earlier this month!

Some of the places they visited include: Fernside, The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati City Hall, and The Cincinnati Public Radio House. At these places, the delegation learned about resources and information that will help them build a medical and rehabilitation center in Kharkiv.

We are so proud to stand with Ukraine! 🇺🇦

05/05/2026

Last week, the Ukrainian delegation visited City Hall, the center of municipal government in Cincinnati. 🇺🇦🇺🇸

As part of the visit, Акварена - Харків CEO Maksym Bondarev addressed representatives of the city government and members of the Cincinnati City Council.

In his address, he spoke about the current reality of life in Kharkiv - a city that is holding on, working, and continuing to develop despite all challenges.

Separately, words of gratitude were expressed for the support of Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership and for the solidarity that is felt not only at the level of decisions, but also in concrete steps. This is about mutual understanding without borders. A partnership that matters. And the voice of Kharkiv, which is heard on the international stage. 🇺🇦

05/05/2026

We were honored to welcome Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Partnership to Fernside to share our mission and work.

It was inspiring to meet visitors from Kharkiv, who also ran in the Flying Pig, who are working to establish a rehabilitation hub in their city to support veterans.

Thank you for your visit and for the meaningful work you’re doing!

05/05/2026

Sunday Recap: Running for Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom! 🇺🇦🐷🪽

After crossing the 5K Finish Line together with the other Ukrainian delegates on Saturday, Vadim Kovalenko and Taras Panasiuk took on the Flying Pig Half Marathon. The pair ran together on Sunday, finishing the half marathon in 2 hours and 6 minutes as the other Ukrainian delegates cheered them on! 💙💛

We are proud to stand with Ukraine, and with the amazing delegates, adaptive athletes, and veterans from Kharkiv. 🇺🇦

Please stay tuned and follow for more posts about the Ukrainian delegates’ visit to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Marathon. A special recap post about the April 29 Event at the Cincinnati Public Radio House is coming soon!

Thank you for Standing with Ukraine! 🇺🇦

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